Directions

Directions

1Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Spray bottoms and sides of four 8-inch square pans with baking spray with flour. In large bowl, beat 1 cake mix, 1 cup of the water, 1/2 cup of the oil and 3 eggs with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Divide batter between 2 of the pans.

3Cut off domed top from each cake so they will be flat when stacked. On tray, place cake A (see diagram); spread with 1/3 cup frosting. Top with cake B; spread with 1/3 cup frosting. Top with cake C; spread with 1/3 cup chocolate frosting.

4Cut fourth cake into quarters. Place one quarter (piece 1) on top of stacked cakes; spread top with 1 tablespoon frosting. Cut second quarter horizontally in half; place half of second quarter on top of first quarter and spread top with 1 tablespoon frosting. Cut third quarter into 2-inch square; place on center of cake stack. (Discard remaining cake, or reserve for another use.)

5Reserve 2 tablespoons frosting in resealable food-storage plastic bag. To seal crumbs, spread thin layer of frosting over layered cake, and refrigerate or freeze cake 30 to 60 minutes to set frosting. Spread remaining frosting over entire cake. Place fudge-dipped cone upside down on center of cake. Place 4 regular ice cream cones upside down on corners of cake.

6Dip edges of miniature cones into white decorating icing; sprinkle with blue sugar. Place upside down on top of larger cones. Top each cone with candy star, attaching with small amount of white icing.

8Place peanut butter cup candies upside down on 4 corners near top of castle. To make turrets, add red jujube candies and gum balls to peanut butter candies with small amount of white icing. Add caramels to front of cake for parapets. Store loosely covered.

Notes

Tips

Expert Tips

Create an attractive display by covering a piece of sturdy cardboard with wrapping paper, then plastic food wrap. Stretch and secure with tape. Or cover cardboard with foil or cooking parchment paper.